Field of Interest:           Community Services & Welfare
Grant Recipient:           Church of all Nations
Project:                        Carlton Flats Holiday Program
MCF Sub-fund:             Anna Wearne Fund

For five years now the Anna Wearne Fund, througfh MCF, has provided Ernie Simms with the funds to run a holiday program each school holiday for the many children who live on the culturally diverse Carlton Public Housing Estate.

The former professional boxer has been running 'Ernie's Club' from a room on the Carlton housing estate for 25 years this year and says he's "reigned in some tough nuts over the years."

The children of the high-rise flats come from low socio-economic backgrounds and many are refugees who would not normally be able to participate in holiday program activities due to financial constraints.

"Other holiday programs in the area cost approximately $20 per day which is unaffordable for these families," says Ernie.

"Thanks to the funds I have been able to run a holiday program for free giving these kids a chance to expand their horizons and expose their imagination to a world outside the brick walls of the high-rise."

With a small grant of around $500 per holiday Ernie is able to offer excursions and events during holiday time that the children would not normally be able to participate in. Last programs included visits to Melbourne Airport (so popular apparently that he had to make 3 trips with different children each time), a picnic at Hanging Rock, a sports day of tennis and soccer and a visit to Polyglot Puppets.